Costa Rican Pygmy Owl
The Costa Rican Pygmy Owl is a tiny, diurnal raptor endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, characterized by its small size, rounded head with false eye spots on the nape, and bold hunting behavior as it preys on insects, small birds, and lizards in montane forests.
Glaucidium costaricanum
Scientific Name
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Family
Strigiformes
Order
Range and Habitat of Costa Rican Pygmy Owl
Geographic Range
Endemic to highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama (Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro provinces)
Migratory Patterns
Non-migratory resident. No seasonal movements documented.
Preferred Habitat
Mountain forests including cloud forest, oak forest, forest edges, semi-open areas with scattered trees, coffee plantations with shade trees
Altitude Range
Most common 1,200-2,500 m, occasionally 900-3,000 m
Costa Rica Habitat
All major mountain ranges: Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera de Tilarán, Cordillera Central, Cordillera de Talamanca
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Population Status
Endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Conservation efforts
Protected in numerous Costa Rican parks and reserves; CITES Appendix II listing regulates trade
Primary Threats
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Costa Rican Pygmy Owl Identification
How to Identify the Species
Rarity Level:
CommonBest Viewing Times:
Early Morning (Dawn - 8 AM), Evening (Dusk)
Size
Length: 15-16 cm; Weight: Males 53-65 g; Females 60-75 g
Plumage
Two color morphs: rufous (more common) and brown
Rufous morph: Rich rufous-brown above with small white spots on crown and scapulars. Underparts white with heavy rufous-brown streaking. Tail with 5-6 incomplete white bars.
Brown morph: Grayish-brown replacing rufous tones. White spotting more prominent.
Distinctive Features
Distinctive “false eyes” (occipital spots) on back of head – black patches bordered with white.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females average 10-15% heavier than males; no consistent plumage differences.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
Primary Diet
- Beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, moths, katydids, hummingbirds, warblers, flycatchers, mice, shrews, bats, anoles, small snakes, geckos, small frogs
Foraging Techniques
- Primarily diurnal and crepuscular hunter, perch-and-pounce strategy from exposed branches
Feeding Times
- Most active dawn (5:00-7:00) and late afternoon to dusk (16:00-18:30), but hunts throughout day
Behavior Patterns
Costa Rican Pygmy Owl
Social Structure
Generally solitary except during breeding
Song and Vocalization
Series of hollow whistled notes “poop-poop-poop-poop” (4-10 notes), evenly spaced
Courtship and Mating Ritual
Male performs territorial singing from prominent perches
Territoriality
Highly territorial year-round; territories 5-10 hectares; aggressive toward other pygmy owls and small raptors
Birdwatching Tips
Best Locations for Spotting Costa Rican Pygmy Owl
- San Gerardo de Dota valley
- Savegre Mountain Lodge area
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Los Quetzales National Park
- Cerro de la Muerte (forested areas)
- Tapantí National Park
- Villa Mills area
- Paraíso Quetzal Lodge
- Bosque de Paz Lodge
Best Time of the Year
Year-round, but most vocal March-May during breeding season
Common Behavior
Listen for repetitive hooting at dawn and dusk, check exposed perches at forest edges
Recommended Gear
Camera with good low-light capability, 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Breeding Season
March-May, peak April (dry to early wet season)
Nesting Sites
Natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, typically 3-15 m above ground
Clutch Size
2-4 eggs (usually 3)
Incubation Period
28-29 days
Parental Care
Female incubates while male provides food. Both parents feed young. Fledging at 27-30 days. Young dependent for 8-10 weeks post-fledging while learning to hunt.
Did You Know?
Surprising Traits
They can rotate head nearly 270 degrees
Cultural Significance
Local name “cuatro-ojos” (four-eyes) refers to false eye spots; some indigenous cultures consider pygmy owls good luck
Interesting Behaviors
One of few owls that is primarily diurnal
How do I identify this bird?
Small owl (15-16 cm) with no ear tufts, yellow eyes, and distinctive black “false eyes” bordered with white on back of head. Long tail with white bars. Often active during day. Two color morphs: rufous (common) and brown.
Where is the best place to see it in Costa Rica?
San Gerardo de Dota valley is excellent, especially around Savegre Mountain Lodge. Listen for repetitive hooting at dawn and dusk. Monteverde and Los Quetzales National Park also reliable. Most vocal March-May.
Is it endangered?
Listed as Least Concern but endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama highlands. Stable populations in protected areas but vulnerable to deforestation and climate change impacts on montane forests.